WASHINGTON – American Indian leaders are gathered here to talk directly with officials in President Barack Obama’s administration about their needs.

The White House Tribal Leaders Conference is scheduled for today. Obama is set to deliver remarks to representatives invited from 566 tribes across the country at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Obama vowed during his election campaign to regularly meet with tribal leaders, to hear directly from them about how his administration can meet their needs and help improve their lives.

A newly formed White House Council on Native American Affairs is holding meetings and listening sessions that coincide with the conference. The topics include mascots, violent crime, sacred sites and education.

The National Congress of American Indians held a preparatory meeting for tribal leaders Tuesday.